Sachin centre of attraction at Kolkata marathon

Kolkata: A day after India won the U-19 World Cup, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday urged youngsters taking part in a marathon here to lead the way.

Stressing on fitness, the 44-year-old icon motivated the children to run the yards harder as that will take them far in life.

"We are all talking about India's health and future generation being aware of how important it is to remain in good health," Tendulkar said in his opening address with the 10,000-odd participants all ears.

"You guys have been instrumental in spreading the message across, so a big thank you to you. When I saw these kids standing on the front row, my message to all the seniors was catch them if you can.

"They are going to run. It's time to keep up with them. They have got the message. It's important that seniors also respond to that. So far it has been fantastic, let's make it even better," the holder of virtually every individual record on the cricket field added.

Later, tweeting a picture with blade runner Afzal Khan, Tendulkar hailed his spirit saying he is an inspiration to many.

"We all have our days when we look for excuses not to get up, get out and exercise. This young man leaves no room for any. You're an inspiration blade runner Afzal Khan. Keep on running!" he tweeted.

The moment the emcee of the event announced his name, the participants halted in their tracks and started queuing up in front of the stage designated for the 'Master Blaster'.

Amid loud chants of 'Sachin! Sachin!' in the background, Sachin greeted Kolkata in Bengali, "Kemon acho Kolkata (How are you Kolkata)?"

Tendulkar signed on his autobiography "Playing It My way" also as scores of fans halted their marathon run to have a glimpse of their idol.